Result is a compact, portable infrared spectrometer that has a number of advantages over conventional instruments including no optical path through air, no moving parts and light weight
Paul Wilks has been awarded a United States patent, no 6,420,708.B2, assigned to Wilks Enterprise, covering a spectroscopy analyzer using a detector array and linear variable filter.
The spectrometer consists of a detector array with the linear variable filter placed over it which is then placed in contact with a sample stage that may be an ATR plate, a gas cell or transmission cell.
The net result is a compact, portable infrared spectrometer that has a number of advantages over conventional infrared instruments such as the widely-used FT-IR spectrometer, including no optical path through air, no moving parts, light weight (under 2.3kg), portable (battery operated), rugged, and low cost.
It may be used wherever infrared analysis is needed - at the production line or in the field.
Wilks Enterprise has recently undertaken the development of such an instrument - Variable Filter Array (VFA) spectrometer based on this patent.
As part of this development programme, Wilks has entered into a strategic alliance partnership with Optical Coating and IR Microsystems to formulate, design and manufacture cost effective, compact infrared measurement instruments for applications specific spectroscopy.
Each company brings to the partnership considerable expertise in the area of infrared technology and the expanding role of applying infrared analysis to solve the real world application needs of its customers.
This alliance will bring greater focus to developing products for process analytical technologies for the alliance members.
Wilks Enterprise, which recently merged with Optical Coating, specialises in the development and manufacture of analytical instruments for on-site analyses in the field, plant or laboratory as well as in-line sensors for process control measurements.
